World Cup Travel Insurance Could Prevent Expensive Penalties

Going to watch the World Cup in South Africa without taking out travel insurance first could have dire consequences, travel experts have warned.

Travelling without insurance could mean not being able to get vital treatment, as well as being vulnerable to costs from delays, cancellations, or lost luggage, experts from the travel insurance industry have suggested.

According to research from esure, one in five football fans heading to South Africa will not take out travel insurance. Nikki Sellers, head of yravel insurance at esure, warned those considering going without travel insurance that “with so many people travelling and with the volcanic ash, delays are highly likely,” so it’s “vital to plan ahead and read the travel insurance documents thoroughly.”

To avoid any own goals during the trip, esure urges people to “make sure you take cover to protect you and your family should the unexpected happen.

“Essentially cover will be provided for you if you become ill or getting injured whilst on your footballing holiday, are delayed at the airport, or end up losing your luggage.”

Bob Atkinson, travel expert at moneysupermarket.com, has a few suggestions for keeping the cost of travel insurance down, such as using a website to compare travel insurance quotes and cover, rather than taking it out from a tour operator or travel agent.

Going for the cheapest deal could leave you open to having insufficient cover, he warns, urging travellers not to go for the cheapest option in a bid to save money because things like expensive mobile phones and cameras, or delays resulting from the volcano, might not be covered.

“Travel insurance is vital for claiming for cancellations, lost cash or thefts and providing emergency medical treatment,” Mr Atkinson said. “However, policies can vary and exclusions and caveats are commonplace so it is important to always check the small print carefully and choose a policy that suits your needs.

“I therefore advise football-mad Brits to plan ahead and compare policies to ensure you get the best value for money.”

© Fair Investment Company Ltd